The New York Jets and New York Giants are threatened with a ghost season, at least for home games. As the franchises announced in a joint statement on Monday, both clubs will initially play behind closed doors in the NFL season, which will start in September.
This was preceded by an order from the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy. Due to the corona pandemic, the latter had extended the restrictions on public outdoor events to the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford until further notice. This applies until further notice.
The NFL had so far waived a uniform line when it came to the question of the event in front of spectators and instead passed responsibility to the clubs. They should develop their own concepts as to whether and how many viewers are allowed. The Jacksonville Jaguars from Florida are planning with around 25 percent occupancy, the Baltimore Ravens (Maryland) want to allow a maximum of 14,000 spectators.
The NFL season is set to open on September 10 (local time) with the encounter between Super Bowl winners Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. Due to the corona pandemic, the preseason had already been reduced to two games, and there may even be only one preparatory game per team.
Most recently, several top players called on the NFL to act over safety concerns. “I’m worried. My wife is pregnant. The training camp will start soon. And there is still no clear plan for the safety of the players and families,” wrote quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.
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